Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Maremma Sheepdog Versus Mastiff: Introduction
- Maremma Sheepdog versus Mastiff: Overview
- Maremma Sheepdog versus Mastiff: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Maremma Sheepdog and the Mastiff
- The Similarities Between the Maremma Sheepdog and the Mastiff
- Size (Weight and Height) of Maremma Sheepdog versus Mastiff
- Lifespan of Maremma Sheepdog versus Mastiff
- Price of Maremma Sheepdog versus Price of Mastiff
- Health Problems of Maremma Sheepdog versus Health Problems of Mastiff
- Tolerates Being Alone: Maremma Sheepdog versus Mastiff
- Do Maremma Sheepdogs shed more than Mastiffs?
- Which one drools more, the Maremma Sheepdog or the Mastiff
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Maremma Sheepdog or the Mastiff?
- Does the Maremma Sheepdog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Mastiff?
- Do Maremma Sheepdogs Bark and Howl? What about Mastiffs?
- Can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Mastiffs Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Maremma Sheepdog vs. Mastiff
- Can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Mastiffs Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Maremma Sheepdog or the Mastiff?
- Are Maremma Sheepdogs good family dogs? What about Mastiffs?
- How Kid-friendly are Maremma Sheepdogs and Mastiffs?
- Is the Maremma Sheepdog Easier to Train than the Mastiff?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Maremma Sheepdog
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Mastiff
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Maremma Sheepdog versus Mastiff. Which One is a Better Pet?
Maremma Sheepdog Versus Mastiff: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Maremma Sheepdog and the Mastiff? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Maremma Sheepdog and the Mastiff better suits you.
We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Mastiff.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Maremma Sheepdog and the Mastiff is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.
Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Maremma Sheepdog and for the Mastiff. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Maremma Sheepdog and the Mastiff.
Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Maremma Sheepdog or the Mastiff.
Maremma Sheepdog versus Mastiff: Overview
A very important difference between the Maremma Sheepdog and the Mastiff is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Maremma Sheepdog is a large-sized dog while the Mastiff is a giant-sized dog.
Furthermore, both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Mastiff are Working Dogs. This means both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Mastiff were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.
Maremma Sheepdog versus Mastiff: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Maremma Sheepdog to the Mastiff based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.
When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets
Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.
However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.
Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Maremma Sheepdog and the Mastiff
| Factor | Maremma Sheepdog | Mastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 23.5 to 28.5 inches | 27 to 32 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Train | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Life Span | 11 to 13 years | 6 to 10 years |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| General Health | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Weight | 65 to 100 pounds | 130 to 220 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 12.0 years | 8.0 years |
| Average Price | $1160 | $1740 |
| Price Range | $495 – $1500 | $1100 – $2200 |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
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Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Maremma Sheepdog in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Mastiff. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.
The Better-Pet score for the Maremma Sheepdog is 68 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Mastiff is 72 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Mastiff is a better pet than the Maremma Sheepdog. So, you should get the Mastiff!
Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Mastiff so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Maremma Sheepdog and the Mastiff
Below is a list of where the Maremma Sheepdog and the Mastiff are most different:
The Similarities Between the Maremma Sheepdog and the Mastiff
The Maremma Sheepdog and the Mastiff are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Maremma Sheepdog and the Mastiff are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Maremma Sheepdog versus Mastiff
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Maremma Sheepdog and the Mastiff.
Maremma Sheepdogs weigh 65 to 100 pounds when fully grown. Maremma Sheepdogs are 23.5 to 28.5 inches when fully grown.
On the other hand, Mastiffs weigh 130 to 220 pounds when fully grown. Mastiffs are 27 to 32 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Maremma Sheepdog versus Mastiff
The lifespan of Maremma Sheepdogs is between 11 to 13 years. The average lifespan of Maremma Sheepdogs is 12.0 years.
The lifespan of Mastiffs is between 6 to 10 years. The average lifespan of Mastiffs is 8.0 years.
Maremma Sheepdogs live longer than Mastiffs.
Price of Maremma Sheepdog versus Price of Mastiff
The average price of the Maremma Sheepdog puppy is $1160. The price of the Maremma Sheepdog typically ranges from $495 – $1500. However, the price of a Maremma Sheepdog can be as low as $300 and as high as $4135. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 41 Maremma Sheepdog puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The average price of the Mastiff puppy is $1740. The price of the Mastiff typically ranges from $1100 – $2200. However, the price of the Mastiff can be as low as $200 and as high as $4600. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 248 Mastiff puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Mastiff is more expensive than the Maremma Sheepdog.
| Maremma Sheepdog | Mastiff | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1160 | $1740 |
| Price Range | $495 to $1500 | $1100 to $2200 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Maremma Sheepdog and Mastiff. For different price points, the charts show how many Maremma Sheepdog puppies or how many Mastiff puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Maremma Sheepdogs. The typical price range is shaded Green.
A breakdown of the prices of Mastiffs
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Maremma Sheepdog puppy or the Mastiff puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.
Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.
You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.
Health Problems of Maremma Sheepdog versus Health Problems of Mastiff
Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.
Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Mastiff are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.
The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.
Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Mastiff is prone to more genetic health problems than the Maremma Sheepdog.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Mastiff than for the Maremma Sheepdog.
5 health tests are recommended for Maremma Sheepdog while 7 tests are recommended for the Mastiff.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Maremma Sheepdogs and in Mastiffs.
Maremma Sheepdog Health Problems
Maremma Sheepdogs are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Maremma Sheepdog puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Maremma Sheepdog puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Maremma Sheepdog breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Maremma Sheepdogs for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Maremma Sheepdogs here.
Mastiff Health Problems
Mastiffs are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Mastiff puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Mastiff puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Mastiff breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Mastiffs for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Mastiffs here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Maremma Sheepdogs and Mastiffs
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Maremma Sheepdog Breed is Hips problems.
This is because the Maremma Sheepdog ranks 59 out of 198 dog breeds for Hips problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 159 Maremma Sheepdogs, 27 of them had Hips problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Maremma Sheepdogs, and how common these diseases are in Maremma Sheepdogs relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Mastiff Breed is Canine Multifocal Retinopathy problems.
This is because the Mastiff ranks 3 out of 6 dog breeds for Canine Multifocal Retinopathy problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 891 Mastiffs, 14 of them had Canine Multifocal Retinopathy problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Mastiffs, and how common these diseases are in Mastiffs relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Maremma Sheepdog and in Mastiff and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Maremma Sheepdog and the Mastiff:
| Disease | Maremma Sheepdog Rank | Mastiff Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Hips problems | 59 out of 198 dog breeds | 39 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Canine Multifocal Retinopathy problems | Not Common | 3 out of 6 dog breeds |
| Cystinuria problems | Not Common | 3 out of 6 dog breeds |
| Shoulder problems | Not Common | 9 out of 22 dog breeds |
| Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems | Not Common | 12 out of 32 dog breeds |
| Elbow problems | Not Common | 26 out of 144 dog breeds |
| Advanced Cardiac problems | Not Common | 39 out of 71 dog breeds |
| Eyes problems | Not Common | 43 out of 182 dog breeds |
| Degenerative Myelopathy problems | Not Common | 49 out of 70 dog breeds |
| Congenital Cardiac problems | Not Common | 53 out of 159 dog breeds |
| Thyroid problems | Not Common | 72 out of 115 dog breeds |
| Patella problems | Not Common | 131 out of 145 dog breeds |
*To learn more about each of these diseases, go to OFA.org and search for the disease.
Again, most of these health problems can be prevented through health screening. Responsible breeders screen male and female dog parents for genetic problems. These breeders will only breed dogs that are free of genetic defects. That way, there is little or no chance that their puppies will grow up to have genetic health problems. Always ask a breeder for the list of health tests the breeder screens their dogs for before buying a puppy from such a breeder.
Tolerates Being Alone: Maremma Sheepdog versus Mastiff
Maremma Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.
Mastiffs can be left alone only for a short time.
Do Maremma Sheepdogs shed more than Mastiffs?
Maremma Sheepdogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Mastiffs shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Maremma Sheepdog or the Mastiff
Maremma Sheepdogs drool moderately.
Mastiffs have a very high tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Maremma Sheepdog or the Mastiff?
Maremma Sheepdogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Mastiffs are moderately easy to groom.
Does the Maremma Sheepdog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Mastiff?
Maremma Sheepdogs have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.
Mastiffs have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.
Do Maremma Sheepdogs Bark and Howl? What about Mastiffs?
Maremma Sheepdogs are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Mastiffs are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Mastiffs Tolerate Cold Weather?
Maremma Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Mastiffs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Maremma Sheepdog vs. Mastiff
Maremma Sheepdogs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Mastiffs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Mastiffs Tolerate Hot Weather?
Maremma Sheepdogs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Mastiffs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Maremma Sheepdog or the Mastiff?
Maremma Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.
Mastiffs do not get along well with other dogs.
Are Maremma Sheepdogs good family dogs? What about Mastiffs?
Maremma Sheepdogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Mastiffs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Maremma Sheepdogs and Mastiffs?
Maremma Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Mastiffs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Maremma Sheepdog Easier to Train than the Mastiff?
Maremma Sheepdogs are not easy to train.
Mastiffs are fairly easy to train.
Is the Maremma Sheepdog Better for Apartment Owners than the Mastiff?
Maremma Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
Mastiffs do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Maremma Sheepdog or the Mastiff?
Maremma Sheepdogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Mastiffs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Maremma Sheepdog
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Maremma Sheepdog that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.
We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Maremma Sheepdog:
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Mastiff
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Mastiff that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.
We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Mastiff:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Maremma Sheepdog and how the Mastiff compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Maremma Sheepdog and of the Mastiff to other breeds:
Maremma Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds
Maremma Sheepdog versus American Pit Bull Terrier Maremma Sheepdog versus Bluetick Coonhound Maremma Sheepdog versus Papillon Maremma Sheepdog versus Airedale Terrier Maremma Sheepdog versus Mastiff Maremma Sheepdog versus Affenpinscher Maremma Sheepdog versus Kerry Blue Terrier Maremma Sheepdog versus Rhodesian Ridgeback Maremma Sheepdog versus Vizsla Maremma Sheepdog versus Braque du Bourbonnais Maremma Sheepdog versus Papillon Maremma Sheepdog versus Kuvasz Maremma Sheepdog versus Standard Schnauzer Maremma Sheepdog versus Chi-Poo Maremma Sheepdog versus Scottish Deerhound Maremma Sheepdog versus Siberian Husky Maremma Sheepdog versus Bullmastiff Maremma Sheepdog versus English Cocker Spaniel Maremma Sheepdog versus Curly-Coated Retriever Maremma Sheepdog versus Barbet Maremma Sheepdog versus Tibetan Terrier Maremma Sheepdog versus Basenji Maremma Sheepdog versus Newfoundland Maremma Sheepdog versus Plott Maremma Sheepdog versus Black Russian Terrier
Mastiff Versus Other Dog Breeds
Mastiff versus Papillon Mastiff versus German Longhaired Pointer Mastiff versus Saint Berdoodle Mastiff versus French Spaniel Mastiff versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Mastiff versus Tibetan Mastiff Mastiff versus Curly-Coated Retriever Mastiff versus Bearded Collie Mastiff versus Bernedoodle Mastiff versus Canaan Dog Mastiff versus Manchester Terrier Mastiff versus Rhodesian Ridgeback Mastiff versus Welsh Terrier Mastiff versus Canaan Dog Mastiff versus Finnish Lapphund Mastiff versus Alaskan Klee Kai Mastiff versus Dogo Argentino Mastiff versus Valley Bulldog Mastiff versus Kooikerhondje Mastiff versus Havanese Mastiff versus Australian Shepherd Mastiff versus Pomapoo Mastiff versus American Bulldog Mastiff versus Goldendoodle Mastiff versus Redbone Coonhound
Conclusion: Maremma Sheepdog versus Mastiff. Which One is a Better Pet?
In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Maremma Sheepdog and the Mastiff better suits you and your family.